Why you should brush up on your Legalese this Summer
Why Knowing Basic Legal Jargon Matters More Than You Realize.
As a new law student, I often stumble over obscure, law-specific terms I wasn’t aware of. At first, I thought these words were too specialized or irrelevant outside academia, and should be reserved for legal contexts. When most people hear “law,” they imagine courtroom dramas or criminal trials. The truth is, legal issues impact our daily lives much more than we realize—especially civil law. From leases to medical bills, knowing basic legal terms can protect your rights, help you make informed decisions, and prevent costly mistakes.
Civil Cases: Closer Than You Think
Civil law deals with disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. These cases don’t involve criminal charges, but they can still have serious consequences, resulting in financial penalties, judgments, or changes in personal circumstances.
Got a ticket you think you don’t deserve? That’s a civil case. Disputes with an ex over destroying valuables, or a landlord refusing repairs while raising rent—they’re civil cases too. Even those potholes damaging your car? Civil case. Litigation is everywhere. Understanding how it works and the language used can boost your chances of success and prevent others from taking advantage of your ignorance.
Some common examples of civil cases include:
● Landlord-tenant disputes (e.g., eviction, security deposit disagreements)
● Personal injury claims (e.g., car accidents, slip and falls)
● Small claims suits (e.g., unpaid debts, damaged property)
● Family law issues (e.g., divorce, custody, child support)
● Contract disputes (e.g., service agreements, warranties)
You might be involved in one of these cases directly or indirectly
Why Legal Jargon Matters
Legal documents and court proceedings are filled with terms that are precise, but often unfamiliar. Not understanding these terms can leave you confused, vulnerable, or may even cause you to unintentionally waive your rights.
Here’s why it helps to know the basics:
● Protect your interests: Knowing terms like “plaintiff,” “defendant,” “negligence,” or “breach of contract” can help you better understand your role and responsibilities in a dispute.
● Avoid getting scammed: Some predatory businesses rely on consumers not reading or understanding the fine print. A little legal literacy can help you spot red flags before you sign or agree to something unwittingly.
● Communicate clearly: Whether you're sending a demand letter or responding to a legal notice, understanding the right language helps you come across as informed and confident.
● Make informed choices: If you ever need to consult a lawyer, knowing some jargon can save you time and money by making your conversations more efficient and effective.
You Don’t Need to Be a Lawyer
You don’t need a law degree to be legally savvy. Learning the basics—by attending community workshops, and online courses, or even following legal blogs—can empower you to better handle the legal situations that pop up in everyday life. In a world where a misunderstanding of a few words can mean the difference between winning and losing a case, knowledge really is power. Understanding legal jargon isn't just for lawyers—it's a smart life skill we all should have.
Where do you find it?
Where do you find legal knowledge when you're not even sure where to start? Well, the law library is a great place to begin! The Harris County Law Library is open to the public, and we offer resources to help you build your legal knowledge both online and at our physical location. Houston has several law libraries accessible to the public as well:
- United States Court of Appeals Library for the Fifth Circuit - Houston Branch Library
515 Rusk Ave, Room 6311, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713-250-5696
Fax: 713-250-5091
Mon-Fri | 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Fort Bend County Willie Melton Law Library
1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Rm 20714 Richmond, Texas 77469
Phone: 281-341-3718
Fax: 832-471-2455
Mon-Fri | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
There are also lots of good books—reading is always a helpful tool for learning new things. Some good starting points include:
Using a Law Library: A Student’s Guide to Legal Research Skills by Peter Clinch
Law for Beginners by Lara Bryan and Rose Hall
How the Law Works by Gary Slapper
About Law by Tony Honoré
And if reading isn’t your thing, don’t worry—YouTube has plenty of free videos explaining the basics of law and even diving into specific areas.
Check out LAWShelf’s videos on government and politics, available for free on YouTube. These cover a variety of legal systems and topics and are a great, accessible way to get familiar with the different systems and terminology that make up our legal landscape.
The resources are out there and they're waiting for you. This summer, do yourself a favor and take some time to learn a bit about the law and how to speak the language. You definitely won't regret it!
By: Kennedy Haskett, Harris County Law Library Intern